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1. What Are Ear Mites?
Ear mites (scientific name: Otodectes cynotis) are tiny parasitic insects that live inside a cat’s ear canal. Though nearly microscopic (less than 0.5mm), they feed on earwax, dead skin, and oils and can cause severe itching and inflammation.
They are one of the most common causes of feline ear infections, especially in kittens and cats in multi-pet environments.
2. What Are the Signs of Ear Mites in Cats?
Ear mite infestations are usually easy to spot thanks to very noticeable symptoms. Here are the most common signs:
1. Frequent Scratching of the Ears or Head
- Cats may constantly scratch behind or around the ears using their back paws
- Some may scratch so intensely that they cause bleeding or scabs
2. Head Shaking or Tilting
- Cats often shake their heads to try to relieve the discomfort
- In severe cases, they may tilt their head to one side continuously
3. Black or Dark Brown Ear Discharge
- A classic sign is coffee ground-like debris in the ears
- This is a combination of earwax, dried blood, and mite waste
4. Unpleasant Odor
- Infected ears often emit a strong, musty, or foul smell
- Secondary infections may worsen the odor
5. Redness, Swelling, or Discharge
- The ear canal may look inflamed, and skin may appear broken or sore
- Untreated infections may lead to middle ear infections or even hematomas
6. Behavioral Changes
- Cats may appear irritable, anxious, or restless
- Appetite may decrease due to ongoing discomfort
7. Both Ears Usually Affected
- Though it can start in one ear, ear mites often spread to both ears
3. Are Ear Mites Contagious? Can Humans Get Them?
✅ Yes — ear mites are highly contagious among animals, but not humans.
| Transmission | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Cat to cat | ✅ Extremely common, spreads quickly |
| Cat to dog | ✅ Possible, especially in puppies |
| Cat to human | ❌ Very rare and typically harmless to humans |
In households or shelters with multiple pets, if one cat has ear mites, all animals should be checked and possibly treated to prevent reinfection.
4. How Are Ear Mites Diagnosed?
Ear mite infestations are fairly easy to diagnose with the following methods:
1. Visible Signs
- The presence of dark, crumbly ear discharge and frequent scratching are strong indicators
- However, similar symptoms may result from yeast or bacterial infections
2. Microscopic Ear Swab
- A vet may collect a sample of ear debris and examine it under a microscope
- Live mites will appear as tiny white dots with moving legs
3. Otoscope Exam
- Your vet may use an otoscope to examine the ear canal and look for inflammation or mites
5. How Do You Treat Ear Mites in Cats?
Successful treatment requires killing the mites, cleaning the ears, and preventing reinfection.
✅ Step-by-step treatment:
1. Clean the Ears
- Use a vet-approved ear cleaner to gently remove debris
- Do not use cotton swabs inside the ear canal, which can cause injury
2. Use Anti-Parasitic Medication
Common treatments include:
- Ear drops with ivermectin to kill mites directly in the ear
- Topical flea and parasite treatments like selamectin (Revolution) or moxidectin (Advocate), applied between the shoulder blades
Note: Treatment typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Stopping too early can cause a relapse.
3. Treat All Pets in the Household
- All cats and dogs should be treated to stop the spread
- This includes asymptomatic pets, especially in multi-animal households
4. Clean the Environment
- Wash bedding, toys, and litter boxes
- Use pet-safe disinfectants to remove any lingering mites or eggs
6. How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Ear Mites? Can They Come Back?
Most cats show improvement within 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment.
However, a full recovery typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, especially if the infestation is severe or there’s a secondary infection.
✅ Recurrence is common if:
- The full course of medication is not completed
- Other animals are left untreated
- The environment remains contaminated
7. How to Prevent Future Ear Mite Infections
✅ Monthly Preventive Parasite Treatments
- Use broad-spectrum spot-on treatments like Revolution or Broadline
- These products prevent not only ear mites but also fleas, ticks, and internal parasites
✅ Regular Ear Checks
- Examine your cat’s ears weekly for unusual debris or odor
- Clean ears gently with vet-recommended products
✅ Quarantine New Pets
- Isolate new or rescued animals for at least 14 days
- Monitor for any signs of ear mites or other infections
✅ Keep the Living Area Clean
- Wash bedding, toys, and grooming tools regularly
- Minimize shared spaces in multi-cat homes
8. Summary: Don’t Underestimate Ear Mites
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Are ear mites contagious? | ✅ Yes, very contagious among cats and dogs |
| Common symptoms? | Head shaking, scratching, dark debris, odor, swelling |
| Can humans catch them? | ❌ No, not a threat to humans |
| How to treat them? | Clean ears, use anti-mite medication, treat all pets, sanitize |
| How long does treatment take? | Typically 3–4 weeks for complete resolution |
| How to prevent reinfection? | Monthly parasite control, hygiene, and routine ear checks |
- Symptoms of ear mites in cats
- Cat keeps scratching ears
- Why is my cat shaking its head?
- Cat ear mites vs yeast infection
- Dark debris in cat’s ears
- How to treat ear mites in cats at home
- Best ear mite medicine for cats
- Ear mites in multi-cat households
- Do ear mites come back?
- Prevent ear mites in cats
